Do Court Reporters Need a College Degree?

Court reporters are responsible for documenting public and private legal proceedings. Reporters, also known as stenographers, capture spoken word by writing in shorthand on a stenotype machine at a rate of up to 225 words per minute. This information is then transcribed into a readable document. As a court reporter, you must be focused, detail-oriented and knowledgeable about the practice of stenography or transcription. If you’re ready for an exciting new career in the justice system with an average salary of $50,000 a year, here’s what you need to know.

Education Requirements

To become a court reporter, look no further than your local community college. You can complete an associate’s degree in two years that will prepare you to join the workforce. If you’ve already completed formal education and are looking for a career change, then a certification program may be your best route, which you can earn in under a year. Your stenography education should prepare you to meet the minimum skills standard for court reporters, which includes:

• A literary record at 180 words per minute
• Testimony at 225 words per minute
• Jury charge at 200 words per minute

Whichever route you choose, just make sure your curriculum is recognized by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). This lets your future employers know that you received quality instruction. Then, you’ll be ready to build your client list, go to work for the local courts or join a court reporters Portland Oregon firm that values your skills and abilities.

Luckily, today’s education technology is advantageous for people with varying commitments and schedules. If you can’t attend a traditional college program, you can still pursue your court reporter education via online or hybrid courses.

Basic Courses and Electives

Your education will require you to master shorthand with at least a 97% accuracy rate, but that’s not all you need to be a good court reporter. Your required courses will likely include English grammar, legal and medical terminology, research and technology. However, you may wish to expand your knowledge and branch out within the field of stenography. To make yourself indispensable in the workforce, consider adding a few interesting electives to your schedule, such as:

• Special education
• Criminal justice
• American Sign Language

You want to be qualified for as many positions as possible once you finish your certification course and begin your job hunt. Additionally, check to see if any of the programs in your area offer internship or apprenticeship opportunities. On-the-job training is invaluable and gives you an insider look at what lies ahead. Broadening your horizons and thinking about the possibilities ahead of time will help you stand out.

 Certification, Licensing and Continuing Education

In many cases, a formal degree or certificate course is not enough to get you hired. Some states require licensing, which means you need to pass a skills test or show that you are a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) endorsed by the NCRA to gain an entry-level position. There are several certification and specialization tests you can take throughout your stenography career that will make you versatile and place you ahead of the competition in your field.

There may not be any requirements for continuing education as a court reporter, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and show future employers that you have the dedication to work hard, keep learning and level up. When you invest in yourself by getting certified in various specialties, you open doors to roles you couldn’t otherwise fill.

Court reporters play an important role in the legal system. Maintaining a verbatim record as an unbiased party makes you the keeper of truth within the walls of the courthouse. Your work is essential to cases long after you complete your job. If you’re a skilled typist and excellent note-taker with an interest in criminal justice, the growing field of court reporting may be your ticket to an exciting and challenging future.